Bid Smart: Sitting pretty – garden furniture with vintage charm

This Carlos Cortes faux bois garden bench achieved $7,500 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2021. Image courtesy of Vogt Auction Texas and LiveAuctioneers.
This Carlos Cortes faux bois garden bench achieved $7,500 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2021. Image courtesy of Vogt Auction Texas and LiveAuctioneers.

This Carlos Cortes faux bois garden bench achieved $7,500 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2021. Image courtesy of Vogt Auction Texas and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — Outdoor spaces have long been a key feature of homes. These crucial features provide a welcome respite from sitting behind the computer, delivering fresh air and, if the sun cooperates, a dose of Vitamin D. Entertaining friends and family outdoors is important, too, prompting a need for appropriate seating. A few thoughtfully chosen, well-placed pieces of garden furniture can transform a humble patch of green into a refuge.

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The art of the garden: ideas for exterior decorating

A monumental bronze Beaux Arts garden fountain sold for $32,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2021 at New Orleans Auction Galleries.
A monumental patinated bronze Beaux Arts garden fountain, standing 8ft tall, sold for $32,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2021 at New Orleans Auction Galleries.

NEW YORK — Antiques have never been solely for interior use. Avid gardeners have long incorporated antiques and artful objects into their gardens to create focal points and add character, history and texture. A large garden in suburbia isn’t necessary to pull off this look; even city or apartment dwellers can use antiques to create appealing gardens in small spaces.

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